The Joys and Challenges of a Multi-Generational Household

I always thought that once my kids grew up they would move out. Well that hasn’t happened. I have 5 adult children ages 19 to 28 and all of them live home except 1. My daughter-in-law, 2 year old and 3 month old granddaughters also live with us. Needless to say there is never a dull moment. This is the second time my son and his wife have lived here. The first time my youngest was 10 she is now 19. We have had quite a bit of drama in the house but I think most families have their issues. I really could make this a long post if I wanted to, but I think I will save that for another time.

Although sometimes its really crazy here I have to say that the benefits outweigh the challenges. Yes sometimes I would like the house to be quiet and I will be happy when my daughter-in-law gets a handle on having 2 kids and gets a set bedtime. Its seems that the 2 year old thinks night time is play time and I keep telling her its my time, but at 2 she doesn’t seem to grasp the concept. I’ve had to put my foot down and let them know that my living room is off limits after 9 pm. So far this is proving to be a challenge. I will continue to remind them (My son & daughter-in-law, or the married couple as I refer to them when speaking to my husband).

Having babies in my home again is really a delight for me. I love babies, that’s why I had 5. It’s seemed for some reason the babies kept growing up and then weren’t babies anymore and I wanted babies not kids. I loved spending time on the floor with my kids when they were small, so I thought that spending time on the floor with my granddaughter would be so fun, well until I got on the floor and realized just how far down the floor was. It’s not so easy to get up off the floor at my age. Hey when did I get old? My mind still thinks I’m 20 something!

It’s the most awesome feeling when you come home from work and you open the door and you hear Gamma, Gamma as she runs up to me and hugs me. She lights up my life. When people ask me about her all I can say is she is soooo delicious! Words can’t really describe the feeling of being a grandparent for the first time. We now have 2, how delightful. The baby is really starting to smile now and showing some personality. I was wondering how I could possibly love another one like I love my first grandchild. I was actually a little worried about that at first. But the love is there, and she’s just as special to me. The heart grows as the family grows. I remember having those same feelings when I was having my kids.

I’m really glad they all live here. I get to spend so much time with my grandaughters that I would miss out on if they lived in their own place. I get to help out my son & his wife with the kids and I think that I have a stronger bond with the kids because I get to be part of their everyday lives. I get to witness all the firsts and I get to impart some of my values into their lives.

When my Mom was young it wasn’t uncommon for families to have multi-generations living together. Remember the Waltons… I think its good for families to have grandparents living with grandchildren. It benefits the grandchildren, it makes families stronger. Everyone helping everyone…ok maybe sometimes there are dissagreements, but all families have them. I love my family. I am truly blessed and I will always cherish this crazy time.

Comments (3)

We have three generations - me, my daughter and her two - soon to be three - children. And you're right - there's never a dull moment. At this moment, the grandchildren are playing baseball on the Wii while I'm trying to type a file. Fun, fun, fun.